Cleaning and Exams

Routine maintenance can keep your dental problems small. Ridgepointe Dental's care includes thorough examinations and a professional cleaning by our Registered Dental Hygienists. We personalize the at-home care instruction you need to keep up the good work. If you follow a schedule of basic routine care, you can be assured that we will find any problems when they are small, thereby saving you time, discomfort, and money...before those problems become big toothaches! Routine dental maintenance is a wise investment.

Fluoride

Fluoride is available to our patients three ways. All fluoride aids in preventing cavities by strengthening the enamel.

First, there is topical application through toothpaste, rinses, and professionally applied gels.

Supplemental fluoride is the second availability. This includes the fluoride in some beverages, a few foods, and fluoride drops and tablets.

The third source is mass water fluoridation. The great majority of community water supplies routinely add fluoride because it is absolutely the most cost-effective measure to prevent tooth decay. Studies by the EPA have determined an acceptable level for tap water and localities rigidly enforce that level, ensuring its safety.

Some people are worried about fluoride in drinking water, but research is unanimous in demonstrating that it is safe for everyone. In fluoridated water, either the kind that is adjusted to best levels by adding fluoride to the water supply or naturally occuring, hazardous health consequences are very rare.

Dental Sealants

Sealants are protective coatings that are painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. They are most commonly applied to children's permanent teeth for the prevention of cavities, and are considerably less expensive than having to fill a decayed tooth.

Sealants should be applied to permanent molars as soon as the chewing surface is accessible. Good oral home care is still the best preventive. You can help your child by following our General Toothcare Tips below.

General Toothcare Tips

• Make sure to brush twice a day with a single layer of flouride toothpaste on the brush
• Use brushes with soft bristles
• Floss between the teeth
• Drink fluoridated water
• See your hygienist as recommended

Restorative Procedures

A tooth that has broken or chipped, is badly decayed, one that has undergone root canal therapy, or a tooth in which the filling is too large to be replaced should always be restored with a crown, onlay, or other protective restoration. Ridgepointe Dental uses only the best materials available for attractive, strong, long-lasting restorations. The dental labs we use work to the highest standards of aesthetics and safety.

Comfort in the Dental Office

At Ridgepointe Dental, we understand that patients can feel some apprehension about dental treatment. We do our best to make you feel at ease when you come to our office

Our reception area is warm and inviting, with plenty of reading material, a bubbling fountain, live plants and flowers, fluffy pillows, hot coffee or tea, and a small play area for children. (The play area is presided over by a huge stuffed bear!)

The staff will greet you with a friendly, sincere smile and escort you to your treatment room. If you need a pillow for your neck...done. Need something to read? Done! If you are still apprehensive, we have nitrous oxide available to any patient who needs further help to alleviate "the jitters." We want you to be comfortable in our office.

Both Dr. Manning and the Hygienists go out of their way to be gentle, considerate and take their time (without being slow!) with all patients. Our Chairside Assistants are caring and compassionate, and will do whatever they can to make your experience less stressful.

We invite you to experience the caring and compassion we offer at Ridgepointe Dental.